THE Swan Valley Wine Show 2026 brought together the area’s winemaking community at Mandoon Estate to celebrate excellence across a range of categories.
The show ran from August 11 to 14 this year and marked the 38th show hosted by Swan Valley Winemakers Association.
According to the association, it is one of the longest continually operating wine shows in Australia.
This year’s awards received over 292 wine submissions which a panel of judges had to narrow down to less than 20 ultimate winners.
A total of 211 medals were awarded across gold, silver and bronze which meant 72 per cent of wines received a medal for their high standard.
Mandoon Estate’s wines made an impression this year, taking home six trophies for best non-greater Perth zone wine, best single dry varietal or dry red blend, best grenache, best shiraz, most successful producer and best regional wine of show.
Talijancich Wines also took home several trophies, winning the City of Swan trophy for five or more entries gaining the highest average score in addition to being recognised for best Swan Valley old vine wine, best fortified wine of show and best WA fortified wine.
The number of entries this year surpassed last year’s record-breaking submission of 272 wines as reported in Record entries in 2025 Swan Valley wine show (Echo News, September 5, 2025).
Upper Reach Winery took home the Spirit of the Swan 2026 award for shaping the modern Swan Valley and emphasising high standards of contemporary winery operation and hospitality.
The association said the Spirit of the Swan award is presented every second year to a nominee that has demonstrated an outstanding achievement and contributed to the promotion of Swan Valley wine, winemaking, viticulture, tourism, sales or marketing.
“Derek and Laura have (contributed more than) 30 years to promoting the Swan Valley as a wine region and have created one of the Swan Valley’s leading boutique wineries,” they said.
“By combining wine, food and accommodation they have created a modern, integrated business and have added to the reputation of the Swan Valley as a wine region and a visitor destination.
“The timing of their contribution has come over a period of change in the reputation and dynamics of the valley and they have been influential in the development of the modern Swan Valley we now know – represented by high standards of contemporary winemaking and hospitality.”
Upper Reach owner Laura Pearse said during her acceptance speech that the win came as a surprise but a good one.
“I’m a bit surprised but it’s so lovely,” she said.
“Thank you all very much, we’re completely honoured and surprised and maybe you can do better next time.”
The room erupted in laughter and applauded Mrs Pearse’s challenge.
Wine writer and show judge Erin Larkin presented the winner for the state’s best fortified wine and said the Swan Valley’s fortified wines were worth cherishing.
“To put Australian fortified wine into context, there’s like five or six great fortified wine regions globally, and they’re tiny,” she said.
“You know how much people drink fortified wines? It’s not that much.
“But these wines are so precious and so wonderful and what you guys are doing here is truly world class.”
Ms Larkin said the Swan Valley were custodians of a special resource and heritage which would be a shame to lose.
“You have a wonderful history, a wonderful resource of old vines,” she said.
“It’s a privilege to taste them, and I’m hoping none of you stop making them because the day that you do that is a day that we lose something very beautiful.”
Garbin Estate Wines winemaker Peter Garbin called for continued efforts in making good Verdelho in the valley as he accepted his award for best Verdelho in the greater Perth zone.
“It’s no (secret) that I love verdelho,” he said.
“I love making verdelho, I love drinking verdelho, but don’t get the wrong idea.
“I respect (it) and I just think it’s such an exciting variety and I encourage all winemakers here to keep going with verdelho.”
The full list of winners may be found on the Swan Valley Wine website.
